By Audrey Raymonda John
In a recent court appearance before Magistrate Peter Brima Gogra of Pademba Road Court No.6 in Freetown, Edward Kister, a security guard, was charged with larceny under section 2 of the Larceny Act 1916. Kister stood accused of stealing five plastic chairs, each valued at two hundred Leones, totaling one thousand Leones in value. The property belonged to Ballata Musical Academy and the theft allegedly occurred on January 23rd, 2024, at No. 27 Liverpool Street in the Western area of Freetown.
During the proceedings, Kister pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read and explained to him. Prosecution witness Sergeant 9405 Mohamed Fofanah, attached to the exhibit office at Central Police Station, testified that on January 27th, 2024, he received five old metal chairs from DPC 19450 Mendegela GA for registration and safekeeping. These chairs, which were identified as the stolen property, were registered in the court exhibit book under serial number 6/2024 and had remained in police custody since then.
The prosecution informed the court that there were no previous records available against the accused person. Despite being unrepresented by legal counsel, Kister pleaded for leniency from the court.
Considering Kister’s plea for mercy, Magistrate Gogra sentenced him to three months’ imprisonment at the correctional facility in Freetown.
This case highlights the swift judicial action taken against individuals involved in criminal activities, underscoring the importance of upholding the law and ensuring justice for victims of theft.
